About Peoria
Peoria is a city in Peoria County, Illinois, United States, and its county seat. Located on the Illinois River, the city had a population of 113,150 as of the 2020 census, making it the eighth-most populous city in Illinois. It is the principal city of the Peoria metropolitan area in Central Illinois, consisting of Fulton, Marshall, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford counties and had a combined population of 402,391 in 2020.
Places to visit in Peoria
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Peoria Riverfront Museum
MuseumA multidisciplinary museum on the Illinois River combining art, science and regional history, with a planetarium and a giant screen theater. It makes a good rainy-day stop for families exploring downtown.
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Caterpillar Visitors Center
MuseumNext to the riverfront museum, this hands-on center lets visitors climb into the cab of huge mining trucks and learn about the company's long history in Peoria.
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Grandview Drive
ViewpointA winding scenic road along the bluffs above the Illinois River in Peoria Heights, lined with grand homes and overlooks offering sweeping valley views. It is best on a fall afternoon.
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Wildlife Prairie Park
Zoo · 8 mi from centreA large park west of the city with native Illinois animals such as bison, elk, wolves and black bears in open natural habitats, plus hiking trails and a small train.
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Peoria Zoo
Zoo · 2 mi from centreA compact zoo in Glen Oak Park with an Africa exhibit featuring giraffes, lions and rhinos, manageable in a couple of hours with children. Glen Oak Park also has trails.
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Luthy Botanical Garden
ParkA small garden in Bradley Park with a conservatory, rose and herb gardens and seasonal flower shows, offering a quiet stop in the city. Admission is generally free.
Where to stay in Peoria
Popular hotels in Peoria, out of 57 properties you can book.
OYO Hotel Morton/East Peoria I-74
From $61 per night
OYO Hotel Downtown Peoria I-74
From $53 per night
Wingate By Wyndham Peoria
From $161 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Pekin Peoria Area
From $117 per night
BEST WESTERN PLUS Peoria
From $102 per night
Country Inn Suites By Radisson Peoria North Il
From $87 per night
Best Western Morton Inn
From $117 per night
Embassy Suites East Peoria Riverfront Conference
From $479 per night
Par A Dice Hotel Casino
From $105 per night
Baymont by Wyndham Morton
From $57 per night
Quality Inn Morton at I-74
From $72 per night
Baymont by Wyndham Peoria
From $61 per night
Best time to visit Peoria
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Peoria is September, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Peoria weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 72° 45° 2%
- Thu 22 Oct 74° 54° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 76° 55° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 77° 56° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 78° 59° 1%
- Mon 26 Oct 70° 46° 6%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Peoria
These are the airports closest to central Peoria. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- PIA Peoria International Airport6 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Getting around Peoria
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By car
Taxi service is available throughout the city; however, it is recommended you call for a taxi, as it is rare to find a taxi to hail outside the downtown or during odd hours. You can locate taxi companies online, in the phone book, or through your hotel's front desk.
Peoria travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Peoria?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Peoria is September, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Peoria?
July is usually the warmest month in Peoria, with average highs of 85°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 18°F (-8°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 125 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Peoria?
Peoria International Airport (PIA) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (9 km) from the centre of Peoria.
What time zone is Peoria in?
Peoria uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Peoria?
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What are the best places to visit in Peoria?
Top sights in Peoria include Peoria Riverfront Museum, Caterpillar Visitors Center, Grandview Drive and Wildlife Prairie Park. A multidisciplinary museum on the Illinois River combining art, science and regional history, with a planetarium and a giant screen theater. It makes a good rainy-day stop for families exploring downtown.
Where should I stay in Peoria?
Popular areas for hotels in Peoria include Peoria Area. Well-reviewed options include OYO Hotel Morton/East Peoria I-74 and OYO Hotel Downtown Peoria I-74.
How many hotels can I book in Peoria?
Destina Holidays currently lists 57 properties in and around Peoria, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.